Why it matters

Korea Zinc Co. Ltd. is doubling down on Washington influence at a pivotal moment. The South Korean metals giant added powerhouse GOP-connected Ballard Partners LLC in April 2025. This creates bipartisan coverage alongside existing firm Mercury Public Affairs LLC. The move signals major investment in U.S. policy as critical minerals become a national security priority.

By the numbers

Total lobbying spend: $1.75 million since February 2024 with Mercury Public Affairs across 7 disclosures.

New team structure: Three Ballard Partners lobbyists focusing exclusively on natural resources issues:

  • Brian David Ballard: Firm founder with $23+ million in disclosed lobbying across energy, infrastructure clients
  • Sylvester Lukis: Trade and regulatory expert with Amazon, Boeing experience
  • Thomas B. Boodry: Previously represented Korea Zinc directly

Issue coverage

Mercury handles five policy areas. Ballard Partners targets natural resources exclusively.

Broader Context

President Trump signed sweeping critical minerals executive orders in March 2025. The Defense Production Act now covers copper, uranium, gold – all Korea Zinc materials. China imposed complete bans on antimony and germanium exports to the U.S. in December 2024. This created 200% price spikes and 97% shipment drops. Major defense contractor Lockheed Martin signed a critical materials partnership with Korea Zinc in September 2025. The deal targets missile defense and aerospace applications.

The Agenda

Korea Zinc lobbies on “critical minerals, recycling, clean energy subsidization” across multiple policy areas. Mercury Public Affairs covers energy, environmental, natural resources, trade, and tax issues. Ballard Partners focuses specifically on natural resources policy. No specific legislation is identified in the registrations. Congress is considering multiple critical minerals bills including supply chain resilience and domestic production measures.

Competitive Landscape

The report doesn’t detail other companies’ lobbying on similar issues. Korea Zinc operates in a crowded field of metals and mining companies. Chinese export restrictions created opportunities for non-Chinese suppliers. South Korea chairs the 14-country Mineral Security Partnership as of 2025. This elevates Korean companies in U.S. policy discussions.

Between the Lines

Trump’s executive orders create 10-day timelines for priority project permitting. The Department of Energy announced nearly $1 billion in new critical minerals funding for 2025. These opportunities require sophisticated navigation of new regulatory frameworks. Korea Zinc’s defense industry partnerships embed the company in national security considerations. The timing suggests positioning for transformed policy landscape where critical minerals are strategic priorities.

The Bottom Line

Korea Zinc’s lobbying expansion reflects the new reality of critical minerals as national security assets. The bipartisan approach through two major firms positions the company for policy opportunities. But it also signals recognition that U.S. mineral policy is becoming more complex and consequential for foreign suppliers.

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